Crude oil tops $97 a barrel

NEW YORK, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- Crude oil prices climbed above $97 per barrel Tuesday on the New York Mercantile Exchange after the Group of Seven addressed currency concerns.

Ahead of a meeting of the Group of 20 nations this week in Moscow, the G7 nations issued a statement opposing currency manipulation.

Emerging nations are considered the most likely to try currency manipulating to boost exports. The statement from the G7 is expected to calm fears of other countries following Venezuela's move last week to devalue the bolivar by 32 percent.

West Texas Intermediate crude oil for March delivery added 57 cents and hit $97.51 per barrel.

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